Redkey F10: Preface
Chinese manufacturers have discovered the home appliance market for themselves and keep releasing new devices that compete with the "big players". Many manufacturers from the Far East have already made a name for themselves when it comes to smart cleaning aids. In terms of technology, the devices are often even a step ahead of the well-known brands.
A number of small and large manufacturers from China are now competing in the cordless vacuum cleaner market. Almost every week, new devices appear that undercut or outperform each other in terms of equipment and price.
The still very young company "Redkey" wants a piece of the pie and has released the inexpensive Redkey F10, which is also attractive with technical finesse. Behind the brand is SUZHOU EUP ELECRTRIC CO., LTD. , which was already established in the household appliance market in 1994.
Redkey F10: scope of delivery
Let's start with the scope of delivery of the Redkey F10. This includes the essentials that a cordless vacuum cleaner should offer. The following parts are included:
- A suction element with a removable 0.6 liter dust container
- A bendable suction pipe
- An electronic floor nozzle with a removable roller brush
- A 2500 mAh battery with charger (EU plug)
- A wall bracket with screws and dowels
- A brush attachment
- A joint attachment
- A (spare) HEPA filter
- A multilingual instruction manual
The Redkey F10 measures other parts, such as a flexible hose or an upholstery brush, which are usually included in the scope of delivery of other brands. Additional batteries, however, will be available to buy separately. According to the manufacturer's request, these will be available from July.
Redkey F10: design and workmanship
With a cordless vacuum cleaner, the main focus is on the functions and suction properties. But the design should not be ignored either. With regular use, size, weight and handling also have a say.
When put together, the Redkey F10 is a good 1.25 meters long and, at a height of 1.82 cm, very easy to guide with a slightly bent arm. Thanks to the ergonomically shaped handle (pistol grip), operation remains comfortable over the long term.
Although the Redkey F10 is mostly made of plastic, the assembled cordless vacuum cleaner weighs a proud 3.3kg. This makes him one of the heavier candidates, which is by no means a disadvantage. Light handheld vacuum cleaners often have the problem that the electric floor nozzle loses grip and pulls away. Not so with the Redkey F10. The shows a stable ground position.
The processing quality corresponds to the price range around 200 euros. The cordless vacuum cleaner can be dismantled quickly and easily. All parts close tightly and without play. The look of the anthracite-colored plastic is a matter of taste. He is always robust. During the test, the vacuum cleaner accidentally fell down. Nothing was broken and there weren't any scratches left. The intake manifold is made of aluminum and also makes a robust impression.
Redkey F10: practical test
Good suction power and easy operation
The interplay of strong engine power, a good filter system and a well-designed floor nozzle is decisive for good suction power.
The inexpensive Redkey F10 is well positioned here. The 400 watt DC motor (140 AirWatt) goes to work with up to 100.000 revolutions and reaches a suction force of 23.000 Pa at the highest suction level.
There are a total of 5 suction levels (1.000 Pa, 8.500 Pa, 12.800 Pa, 20.000 Pa and 23.000 Pa), which can be selected using a plus and a minus button. Which suction level is currently active can be seen from a 10-level LED display, which shows the respective suction level in steps of two. We couldn't find out why you didn't just opt for a 5-level display.
To start the suction process, the power button on the handle must be pressed once. Conveniently, you don't have to keep the button pressed down, you can release it while vacuuming. As soon as you press the key again, the Redkey F10 switches off. The last used suction level is not saved.
In the test, the Redkey F10 was able to score with its good suction properties. Fine and coarse dirt was easily vacuumed up on carpets and hard floors. The dirt is captured by a three-layer filter system.
- A coarse-meshed metal filter ensures that coarse dirt is kept in the dust container.
- Fine dirt is retained in the dust container at the latest by the second filter, a HEPA filter *.
- Finally, a third HEPA filter prevents the air released to the outside from remaining free of particles.
What is a HEPA filter?
A depth filter that filters the smallest particles, including allergens, viruses, bacteria, chemicals, dust and many more from the air.
The operating volume is 75 dB at the highest level. That is not particularly quiet, but within a tolerable framework.
Automatic dirt detection
A clever function is the automatic dirt detection, which adapts the suction power to the degree of dirt. The function can be activated using the AUTO button.
As soon as more dirt passes the sensor on the intake, the suction power increases automatically. There is also a 10-level dust display to the left of the suction level display.
Bendable "Flex" tube
Another very useful function of the Redkey F10 is the suction tube with an articulated element. The suction tube can be released in the middle with one click, so that you can easily get under furniture without having to bend down. Just as quickly as the suction pipe can be kinked, it can be locked again with one click.
Floor nozzle with LED and castors
Six LEDs on the floor nozzle bring light into the dark. At least a bit. The brightness is sufficient to detect dirt under furniture. In contrast to smarter models with brightness detection, the LEDs are permanently switched on when the Redkey F10 is in operation.
Castors on the floor nozzle increase mobility on carpets and hard floors. So that the rollers do not leave any marks, they are also rubberized.
The roller brush can be removed from the floor nozzle in a few simple steps. This makes it easier to loosen trapped hair.
Up to 60 minutes of battery
Redkey promises between 8 and 60 minutes of running time, depending on the operating mode. In the test, the Redkey F10 was mostly operated on the lowest level. This is completely sufficient to soak up normal household dirt. The average running time was around 45 minutes.
The remaining battery level can be read directly on the battery in 3 levels. It takes a good 4 hours until the battery is fully charged.
Easy maintenance
Maintenance of the Redkey F10 is straightforward. The 0.6 liter dust container can be conveniently opened from the bottom and emptied over the trash can. Alternatively, the dust container can be completely removed.
This makes it easy to remove dirt that has got caught in the filters. Incidentally, all parts of the filter system, including the HEPA filters, can be washed under water.
